Central SA
#CoronavirusFS: Workers downs tools over Covid-19─── LUCKY NKUYANE 06:00 Mon, 13 Jul 2020
Workers at a meat factory in Thaba Nchu outside Bloemfontein in the Free State are said to have downed tools over their risk allowances and other coronavirus (Covid-19) related matters.
Members affiliated to the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU) lodged a complaint with the CCMA regarding certain demands.
The union's Regional Secretary in the Free State and Northern Cape, Jerry Mmoneri, revealed members downed tools on Friday evening after a collapse of negotiations between the employer and the union.
SACCAU wants R1,250 as a Covid-19 risk allowance from March 2020, until the lockdown is downgraded to level 2, among other demands.
Mmoneri says the union followed the Labour Relations Act to ensure compliance with the prerequisites for a legally protected strike.
He further said the workers overwhelmingly supported the call for strike action to pursue their demands.
Other demands from SACCAU included a provision of safe, sanitised and reliable transport during the period of lockdown level 3.
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